Impact of Project Management Certification: Key to Success

 

Did you know that a staggering 42% of project managers operate without a defined methodology? This lack of structure not only hampers their projects but also leads to a 15% decrease in the likelihood of meeting goals and staying within budget, and an alarming 16% reduction in the chances of timely completion.  

 In today’s fast-paced business environment, where over 70% of projects fail to meet their original objectives, having a reliable methodology is more critical than ever. Just as sailors rely on a compass to navigate treacherous waters, project managers need strategic guidance to steer their teams toward success. Each project encompasses intricate planning, precise scheduling, and the relentless pursuit of objectives and deadlines. 

So, what is Project Management and why is it important? 

In essence, project management is the orchestration of resources and risk assessment to achieve defined goals, ensuring all elements align to create success with maximum efficiency.  

Considered both an art and a science, project management requires precision and creativity. Strategically navigating the intricate puzzle of deadlines, budgets, and resources forms the core of project management, transforming ideas into tangible accomplishments, harmonizing disciplined methodologies with innovation to meet stakeholders’ expectations.  

Project management certifications equip professionals with the nuanced understanding needed to excel in diverse settings and achieve remarkable results, identifying them as “conductors” of complex projects. By refining expertise, project managers can “compose” an environment where innovation meets practicality, ensuring projects not only start but thrive.  

Are Project Management Certifications worth it?  

The short answer is YES. 

The importance of project management certifications depends on your career goals, industry needs, and work experience. These certifications confirm your skills and help you stay updated with industry standards and trends. 

We’ve listed down the top 6 benefits of doing a project management certification.   

Top 5 Benefits of doing a Project Management Certification 

1. Better employment opportunities: 86% of hiring managers consider certifications a high or medium priority during recruitment, especially for project management roles. Certifications showcase a candidate’s dedication and structured knowledge, making them more attractive to employers . 
2. Higher salary potential: 70% of certified Project management professionals report easier access to international career opportunities . Certifications from global organizations are recognized across industries and geographies, helping professionals secure roles in multinational organizations.  
3. Opens networking opportunities: Certification programs often include access to professional groups or alumni networks. 78% of certified project managers report leveraging these networks for mentorship, collaborations, and job opportunities, creating lasting professional connections . 
4. Professional credibility: 9 out of 10 employers view certifications as proof of an individual’s commitment to continuous learning and professional development, enhancing credibility within teams and with stakeholders  
5. Adaptability: With the increasing trend towards agile and hybrid project management approaches, certifications that cover these methodologies can showcase your adaptability and capability to manage projects in a dynamic environment.  

3 things to consider before investing in a Project Management Certification:

Life-long Certification Validity 

Acquiring a certification can often be both costly and time-consuming. The overall process typically involves various expenses, such as exam fees, preparation courses, study materials, and workshops. When selecting a certification, it’s crucial to choose one that offers lifelong validity. 

Why It Matters: Many certifying organizations impose ongoing fees to maintain your certification, which can limit your control over your credentials. As a result, even after investing in course materials, the exam, and the certification itself, you could find yourself needing to pay annual or biennial fees to keep your certification active. This ongoing financial commitment can be a significant consideration in your decision-making process. 

Example: Certifications like EXIN Dynamic Project Management Method provide lifetime value without additional fees, making them cost-effective in the long term.

Alignment with your career goals:

Choosing a certification that aligns with your career aspirations is critical. Certifications are often tailored to specific industries, methodologies, or roles, so selecting one that complements your desired career path is essential. 

Things to remember: 

• Industry Relevance: Does the certification cater to your sector (e.g., IT, healthcare, construction)? 

• Role Fit: Are you aiming for a role that emphasizes agile, traditional, or hybrid project management approaches? 

• Skill Development: Will the certification deepen your knowledge in areas critical to your goals, such as risk management, team leadership, or compliance? 

Example: A certification in dynamic project management might be more beneficial for individuals aiming to work in flexible, fast-paced environments. 

Independent certification provider:

The credibility of your certification is heavily influenced by the certifying organization. Independent providers that are not tied to a single methodology or vendor often offer certifications that are more widely applicable across industries. 

Why It matters: 

• Avoid being locked into a specific tool or methodology. 

• Independent certifications emphasize transferable skills, ensuring broader recognition. 

What to look for: 

• Does the provider have a strong reputation in the industry? 

• Is the certification recognized globally? 

• Is the content regularly updated to reflect industry trends? A good way to validate this is by checking the certification provider’s website and going through their product updates.    

Example: EXIN’s certifications are developed in collaboration with industry experts and are methodology-neutral, ensuring applicability across different frameworks. 

EXIN Certifications Portfolio. 

EXIN offers a wide array of certifications that go beyond just project management. Their portfolio includes certifications in agile methodologies, Scrum, Lean Six Sigma, Cloud Computing, and Dynamic Project Management Methods (DPMM), among others. These certifications are designed to equip professionals with the latest skills and knowledge required to succeed in today’s fast-evolving industries. By offering a comprehensive range of certifications, EXIN helps individuals stay ahead in their careers by providing specialized education tailored to various professional domains and methodologies.  

The new kid on the block: Meet EXIN’s Dynamic Project Management Method DPMM® 

EXIN’s Dynamic Project Management certification is based on Marco Ramm’s book, ‘Dynamic Project Management,’ (DPMM®) which is currently offered for FREE in English & German. 

DPMM® combines agile techniques with a flexible framework to help project leaders tackle challenges head-on. DPMM empowers project leaders to seamlessly navigate rapidly changing project landscapes, thereby ensuring projects not only meet but exceed expectations.  

What makes DPMM® stand out? 

  

1. DPMM® employs a modern approach that aligns with contemporary project management practices.
2. DPMM® is user-friendly, featuring thoughtfully designed training that makes core concepts easy to understand. 
3. DPMM® can be customized based on project size, complexity, and specific industry needs, making it especially suitable for fast-paced environments that require agility. 
4. DPMM® integrates traditional project management elements, such as risk management and governance, with agile practices that emphasize customer centricity in today’s contexts. 
5. DPMM® focuses on practical application rather than strict adherence to processes, which proves to be much more effective in real-world scenarios. 

DPMM’s core strength lies in its ability to simplify complex processes, enabling managers to focus on strategic initiatives. By prioritizing adaptability and continuous improvement, DPMM® fosters an environment where innovation thrives.  

Skilled project managers employing DPMM® can guide teams toward success, even in uncertain or rapidly changing industries, leveraging their expertise in project management.  

Having discussed the significance of certifications and EXIN’s recently launched Dynamic project management Method, let’s explore the top project management certifications available today. 

Top Project Management certifications to consider 

To provide a comprehensive comparison of project management certifications, let’s explore ten certifications, highlighting the distinct advantages of EXIN’s Dynamic Project Management Method (DPMM®). This table will serve as a guide to understanding how DPMM® stands out in the landscape of project management certifications. 

Certification	Organization	Key Focus Areas	Ideal For	Distinct Advantage of EXIN
Dynamic Project Management Method (DPMM®)	EXIN	Agile project management, adaptability, practical application	Managers seeking agile, flexible approaches	High flexibility and relevance to modern IT and service industries
Project Management Professional (PMP)	PMI	Predictive, Agile, and Hybrid approaches	Experienced project managers	Broad recognition, but less agility focus
PRINCE2 Foundation & Practitioner	AXELOS	Process-based, stage management	Structured projects	Process clarity, but limited flexibility
Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)	PMI	Agile methodologies (Scrum, Kanban, Lean)	Agile project leaders	Specialized Agile knowledge, lacks IT service management scope
Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)	Scrum Alliance	Scrum framework	Software teams	Scrum expertise, but less focus on broader project strategy
Six Sigma Green Belt	ASQ	Quality improvement, Lean Six Sigma	Quality-focused roles	Quality emphasis, but lacks agile adaptability for projects
Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)	PMI	Fundamental project management skills	Entry-level project managers	Introductory level, lacks advanced agile methodologies
Lean Six Sigma Black Belt	IASSC	Advanced process improvement, Lean Six Sigma	Process improvement specialists	Deep process expertise, but limited focus on agile project management
Certified Project Director (CPD)	GAQM	Strategic project management	Senior project managers	Strategic focus, but less emphasis on agile adaptability
ITIL Foundation	AXELOS	IT service management	IT service managers	IT service focus, lacks comprehensive project management methodologies
CompTIA Project+	CompTIA	Project management fundamentals	IT professionals	Broad IT focus, but lacks depth in agile and advanced project management techniques

 

For professionals in project management, certification can be the catalyst for extraordinary career advancement and unparalleled opportunities, marking key milestones in their professional journey.  

Conclusion 

In conclusion, project management certifications are not just a valuable asset; they are a pivotal element in advancing your career and ensuring project success. With the increasing complexities of modern projects, having a solid foundation in project management principles and methodologies has never been more essential. Certifications not only enhance your employability and salary potential but also demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and adaptability in a rapidly changing landscape.  

If you’re ready to take the next step in your project management journey, consider exploring EXIN’s Dynamic Project Management Method. This certification offers lifelong validity without additional fees, making it a cost-effective choice for professionals seeking to thrive in dynamic environments.  

Invest in your future today and equip yourself with the skills needed to navigate the challenges of project management with confidence. Start your journey to becoming a certified project management professional and unlock a world of opportunities! 

 

 

FAQ

What are the 5 basics of project management?  

Successful project management hinges on five foundational principles that guide the planning and execution processes. Each basic component serves as a pillar supporting the project’s structure and success, ensuring efficiency and clarity.  Defining objectives clearly establishes project goals and deliverables. Clear objectives guide project teams.  

Meticulous planning sets the stage for efficient execution. Creating a detailed roadmap with timelines, resources, and responsibilities helps mitigate risks and aligns the team towards common goals, enhancing collaboration and accountability. Monitoring progress through performance metrics ensures the project remains on course. Utilizing these insights allows for proactive adjustments, ensuring alignment with objectives and adherence to constraints. This adaptability is crucial for overcoming challenges and achieving project success.  

Achieving a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification demands commitment, but it can offer significant dividends for career advancement.  

Why should I consider EXIN’s Dynamic Project Management Method (DPMM) over PMP certification?  

EXIN’s Dynamic Project Management Method (DPMM) offers a modern, agile-focused approach, ideal for today’s fast-paced industries where adaptability is key. Unlike PMP, which provides a strong foundation in traditional methodologies, DPMM emphasizes practical application and flexibility, making it particularly relevant for IT and service sectors. It equips professionals with the skills to manage complex projects with innovation and agility, while also providing access to a network of peers and resources dedicated to project management excellence. If your career demands rapid response to change and dynamic project environments, DPMM is a strategic choice.